McLernon excited by Holywell ride in Cheltenham Gold Cup

Richie McLernon is looking forward to having his first ride in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Holywell.

The jockey has already enjoyed three winners at the Cheltenham Festival, one each year from 2012, all trained by Jonjo O'Neill.

Alfie Sherrin was his initial winner at The Festival, taking the handicap chase now called the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase in 2012, and that contest provided him with his most recent winner when Holywell made light of his handicap mark to win 12 months ago.

His third success also came aboard his Cheltenham Gold Cup mount when the pair captured the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle in 2013.

McLernon said: "I am very much looking forward to partnering Holywell in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He is a great ride to get. The horse has been brilliant for me already at The Festival so I am really, really looking forward to the day.

"Holywell is always a better horse in the spring and it was good to see him win the last time at Kelso. This will be my first ride in the Gold Cup.

"He loves Cheltenham. He is only a small horse but he has got a massive heart and a lot of class. Holywell is a real little character, a lovely and very kind-natured horse - a real dude.

"I rode Holywell when he first ran for Jonjo, at Plumpton where he finished third (January 2, 2012). He always felt like a nice horse and just had something about him.

"It was brilliant to win twice on him at The Festival and last year was very special - he had the form but people had questioned his jumping though it was never a negative for me. He proved that day he was a really good horse."

McLernon likes riding at Cheltenham and has done well at the Gloucestershire racecourse.

He added: "It was a great day when Alfie Sherrin won, as The Festival is the place to get winners and so special.

"John's Spirit, who won the 2013 Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, has been very good for me. He will be going to Cheltenham next week as well (two entries on Thursday, March 12 - Ryanair Chase & Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate) and that is something else to look forward to.

"I am very privileged to be riding Holywell and John's Spirit for Jonjo O'Neill."

McLernon has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Swindon-based Regulatory Finance Solutions ("RFS").

Today's announcement of the sponsorship deal means the jump jockey will act as brand ambassador for RFS and wear the company's logo on his racing attire and the 28-year-old will also host a number of charity fundraising and corporate events for RFS during the tenure of the sponsorship.

"It is really good to link up with RFS and a great opportunity. I am very appreciative of the support from RFS - the logo looks really good and stands out at the races as well," he added.

A management consultancy business, who provide regulatory resourcing and expertise for the financial services industry, RFS work closely with the UK's major banks, life and insurance and utility companies.

John Turner, Chief Executive of RFS, said: "RFS are committed to supporting sport at all levels in the UK.

"To sponsor a sporting talent like Richie is a great achievement for us. Richie's ambition and commitment to constantly improve and stay at the top of his sport mirrors our own ambitions.  

"Our business is about people and we work with the best talent in industry to give our customers the best service delivery.

"We are delighted to announce this sponsorship, are hugely proud of Richie and wish him continued success with his riding career."